New Report Release: Supporting the U.S. Economy Means Supporting Immigration Reform By Michael L. Siciliano, PhD (Michael S.) Workforce Researcher with Building Skills Partnership

At Building Skills Partnership (BSP), we know immigrant workers are the foundation of the U.S. economy. From cleaning our buildings to keeping transportation, security, construction, and agriculture running, immigrant workers are essential to the industries that keep California — and the nation — moving. Yet, harsh immigration policies and enforcement are creating instability, fear, and economic risk.

Through our monthly worker focus groups, Cafecitos, BSP hears directly from immigrant workers about the daily fear of detention, deportation, and wrongful arrest — even for those with legal status. These stories, combined with quantitative analysis, underscore how federal immigration policies are undermining both workforce stability and community well-being.

Key Findings:
Aggressive enforcement disrupts job sites and erodes confidence across entire industries.
Worker anxiety impacts attendance, productivity, and family stability.
Immigration reform is essential to safeguarding not only our workforce but the broader  economy.

Our message is clear: Protecting immigrant workers means protecting the economy. Immigration reform is not only a moral imperative — it’s an economic necessity.

We invite our partners, allies, and policymakers to read our report and join us in amplifying this urgent call for change. Together, we can ensure that immigrant workers, their families, and their communities - and the economy they help build- are valued, protected, and included.

Partners:
UnidosUS (@WeAreUnidosUS)
National Skills Coalition
UNITE-LA
UCLA Labor Center
SEIU CA
SEIU-USWW
SEIU International
UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute
California Immigrant Policy Center
CHIRLA
CARECEN
California Community Foundation
Latino Community Foundation
America's Voice
American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC)
National Immigration Forum
FWD.us